(Fairfax, Iowa) — A facility in eastern Iowa plans to recycle wind turbine blades. REGEN Fiber has opened the company’s plant in Fairfax, Iowa, southwest of Cedar Rapids.
Owned by Travero, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, REGEN Fiber’s process shreds the blades, extracts usable components, and transforms them into premium products that are used in construction materials, such as concrete.
REGEN Fiber’s all-mechanical recycling process avoids using heat or chemicals, providing a more environmentally friendly solution. This method significantly reduces hazardous waste disposal and eliminates blade incineration.
“We are thrilled to offer this innovative solution to concrete and asphalt producers both locally and nationwide,” said Lisha Coffey, President of Travero. “Our process not only provides a sustainable method of disposing of wind turbine blades but also supports businesses’ in achieving their sustainability goals and reducing the carbon footprint on construction projects that use our products.”
The process supports a circular economy by repurposing blade materials for industrial applications, including concrete, mortar and asphalt. These recycled materials can then be used in various construction projects within the energy industry. “Our process recycles 100% of the wind turbine blade, creating fibers and additives that enhance the durability and environmental resistance of concrete and asphalt,” said Jeff Woods, Director of Business Development at Travero.
REGEN Fiber expects to eventually process more than 30,000 tons of blades each year at the Fairfax facility, with the ability to increase production in the future.
Fairfax, REGEN Fiber has established strategic partnerships nationwide to further its growth and add value. These partnerships include a facility in Des Moines, Iowa that recycles new turbine blade manufacturing scrap material as well as a blade processing facility in Lubbock, Texas, strategically located to access blades throughout the southern United States.
